Troubadour Afton Wolfe has generously shared his road adventures with Glide in the past few years. The self-described growler and howler is one of the hardest-working songsmiths out there, with a must-have discography. Wolfe recently attended Americana Fest two weeks ago and shared with our readers what really happens for an artist during that week in Nashville
So, let me get all of the thanks out of the way here – this event, which took place at The Eighth Room on Thursday, September 21, 2023, was presented by 18/88 Media and Charlotte Avenue Entertainment. Guest MCs included Paul Howard, Shawn Underwood, Dave Bernal and Michelle Robertson. I am deeply grateful to all of the above-listed parties for throwing this cool party and supporting live music during AmericanaFest.
If you haven’t been to AmericanaFest, first of all – shame on you. Make your plans and join us in Nashville next year. Second, when you do come, you’ll realize that some of the best stuff going on happens at official/un-official “day parties” around town. Different groups – labels, publicists, managers, agencies, businesses, venues, etc… – throw parties while the conference is going on (and for a few hours thereafter) and before the big official AMA-sanctioned showcases happen all around town at night. These often include drink specials and/or free food, but mostly they are great for having fantastic music that may not have gotten onto the official showcases for whatever reason (I’ll save my opinions on those for a private conversation with The Man, should we ever meet.)
One of the day parties I was fortunate enough to be included in this year was the aforementioned Interstate 88 party at The Eighth Room, which used to be Douglas Corner, across from Zanie’s on 8th Ave. South. If you know Douglas Corner, and you haven’t been to The Eighth Room yet, it’s as close to going through an interdimensional portal as you can get for free (or in exchange for a ticket to a good show). The setting is surreal, stylish, gaudy in all the right ways, and the sound system is excellent (maybe a little strong honestly).
The party kicked off at noon with troubadour and music journalist extraordinaire Paul Howard, who played an original song about AmericanaFest that he’d just written the night before. That’s pretty friggin’ Nashville, for sure. “Here we are again / Here we go my friend / Here we are / Americanafest” – I smell a licensing play, and I’m here for it 100%.
Paul then went on to introduce Teni Rane, a charming singer-songwriter from the east side of Tennessee. She played her acoustic guitar and sang with her sing-songy melodic voice, reminiscent of Joan Baez – a perfect way to kick things off. Hannah Connolly followed her, accompanied by her fellow Los Angelean Ben Greenberg. The two built on Teni’s beautiful performance with their own soft-but-firm duet, Ben’s guitar perfectly complimenting Hannah’s lovely voice and moving songs.
Next up on this bill was the amazing Caleb Caudle. He is one of the truest country songwriters out there right now. He sings the truth as clearly as anyone else you’ll find with a rich voice and a humble but strong presence on the stage. I’d seen him with a full band before, but there’s something about watching such a great song craftsman do their thing with just a microphone and a guitar that is so intimate and educational while also being mesmerizing. I can almost repeat the exact same thoughts about the next performer, the tremendous Parker Milsap, even though the two have very distinct sounds. I’d also seen Mr. Milsap with a full ensemble once and was incredibly impressed. But again, his soulful blend of pop and roots music was a different experience watching him do it all alone on stage. He’s powerful, and his power was not diminished, and seemed to be amplified, by being alone on the stage.
The next performer, Jaimee Harris, I have seen several times – acoustic, full band, and several iterations in between, and she always amazes me. This event was no different. In an obvious nod to Nashville greatness (and a subtle nod to those who loved Douglas Corner), she opened her set with a cover of David Olney’s “Deeper Well.” During the set, I caught the glance of hero/author/songwriter Mary Gauthier’s, and we exchanged a knowing nod and grin. During the song, Mary leaned over to me and said with an enthusiastic fervor, “How many times did we get to see David Olney sing that song on that stage?!” I held back a joyful tear, but the sad one snuck out anyway.
ISMAY played next, and I needed a drink and a smoke after just watching three unbelievably powerful sets. When I returned, ISMAY had hypnotized the entire room with quirky but dark melodies and really cool counterpointing between the three players. For them being the set I saw the least of, their music has been what I’ve listened to most since.
Next was the part of the show I’d looked forward to most – the performance of Marina Rocks. The unassuming and soft-spoke Marina is perhaps the best kept secret in guitar rock right now. I was lucky enough to do one of these day parties last year that she was a part of, though, so I knew what was about to happen. But that didn’t diminish my excitement or enjoyment. If you haven’t seen Marina Rocks do her thing, my describing it will be insufficient. But let it suffice to say that it is Magic.
I played next and murdered it with Daniel Seymour on bass, Chad Stuible on keys, Chris Benelli on drums, and Seth Fox alternating between flute and saxophone. Next was Keturah Allgood, who played with guitarist Bradford Carson. The songs, expertly performed by both, were uniquely positive and uplifting, and I learned from meeting Ms. Allgood that her personality matches that 1:1.
Next was my new friend Jake Ybarra, who played his distinct country style with a three-piece band. His guitar work is precise and melodic, countering his South Carolinian accent and thick dark lyrics. If you haven’t listened to his amazing new album “Something in the Water” yet, let me make a recommendation that you stop procrastinating the inevitable. But if you find this record in twenty years, you’re still going to love it.
To close out, I was lucky enough to be introduced to Jeshua Marshall. He performed with clarinetist (and physics professor?!) Dr. Wendi Wampler and guitarist Seth Acquarolo, while Jeshua handled the upright bass and lead vocals. This was such an incredible set – smart, energetic, melodically and rhythmically full but not crowded. Seth and Jeshua’s vocal harmonies blended perfectly with Dr. Wampler’s fierce fiddling. They closed out the set, and therefore the whole show, by bringing up Keturah, Jake, and Marina to join them for a stirring rendition of St. James Infirmary Blues. Jake and Keturah handled supplementary vocals, Dr. Wampler flexed with some clarinet, sparring solos with Marina Rocks. It was a brilliant ending to a very fine day of music. And then the night began.
